I have now have had a few people question why I would want to write this blog. Mainly, I love having a place to express my feelings and thoughts on the game. Maybe my wife doesn't need to make it so public, but if you know me you will check in once in a while.
This week we began district play. We opened 2-1 with a loss to Dutchtown and wins against Hahnville and East St John. Like most high school games we could have won the Dutchtown game. But I guess we could have lost the other games too!
We beat our big rival Hahnville this week 9-5. It is the 10th straight win for the Wildcats over the Tigers. I guess I should "knock on wood," but I know this streak will not last forever. In baseball no one dominates for long, and the best team doesn't always win. But it's been fun!
The biggest news of the week happened off the field, when a former player of ours sat down at his computer like I am now. Kurt McCune, a former Wildcat and current LSU pitching star, sat down to write about a friend of his who had greatly affected his life. WOW, what a story. And he showed great character.
I had my players read it before the Hahnville game on Thursday, and they were touched. Kurt wrote about his friend and teammate who was seriously injured in a head on collision and may never play baseball again. Kurt talked about his change of perception about what is really important. Life, health and happiness trumps baseball, even when you are exceeding your dream. He talked about how lucky he felt to be able to play this game. Then the very next day he went out and pitched his very first complete game.
Kurt is pitching better than anyone expected, perhaps the biggest surprise in LSU's young season. He is their early season MVP, and he keeps it all in order by remembering his struggling friend. It's a nice story from a fine young man. I am proud to say he is a "Wildcat".
This week gets no easier for us. We finish the first round of district play this week and start a two game set with Dutchtown. If I am correct we will be playing those two games for the district lead and they will be setting themselves up for the title. But it is a long season and lots of things can happen. Check in once in a while and I'll try to keep you updated.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Gotta love Monroe!
Each year I take my troops (the Destrehan baseball team), to Monroe, LA, for the Bayou State Classic in and around Monroe. The classic hosts 70 of the top teams from around the state, and draws college coaches from around the region.
That would be a good reason to go, but that is not my reason.
I believe that this trip bonds the team. Three days in tight quarters with few distractions. They have to travel, eat and sleep as a team. They find out a lot about each other (not all of it good), and learn to deal with each other.
Sometimes they find friends and many times they discover that their teammate is not someone they would otherwise hang out with. As for me, both of these senerios need to be discovered. It makes a team what it is.
This year was tougher than most. We started 0-2 after two days. We left for the tournament feeling pretty good about ourselves, being 4-1, and coming off an impressive 3-0 victory over a talented Central of Baton Rouge.
But the good feelings didn't last long, as our Achilles Heel reappeared and our defense disappeared. We have shown the ability to make errors in bunches, and did so in two tough losses, 13-0 to Airline, and 12-5 to Captain Shreve.
The ugly underbelly always shows when things get like this and selfish players get called out by their teammates. This trip was no exception. The seniors began their attack on cocky underclassmen.
This not a bad thing and the offending party cannot just grab their bag and go home. This is where the "becoming a team starts," and everyone ends up involved.
The rains came on Saturday and we spent the day on our chartered bus. Up at 6:00 a.m. to get checked out of the hotel and drive to West Ouachita. We arrived early to find a tarp on the field, and a bad weather report. The weather report was correct, and before the 1st pitch the rain came.
Back to the bus we ran to wait out the rain delay, then came the 1st cancellation. The second game was at 2:30 in Ruston, so we were off on our 45 minute ride. It is now close to 12:30, so we stop to eat at Burger King. Before we could eat our burgers the call came that the 2nd game was canceled. Back to West Ouachita for a 5:00 game. We get back on the bus headed to W.O. to hit under their covered hitting facility. But the call came at 2:00pm. No way the field will be ready. Would you like to try for 7:00 p.m?
Thanks but no thanks. It's time to head for home.
The next 5 hour ride went off without incident, and the Wildcats were home for 7:00 p.m.
Before I sent them on their way, I had a quick meeting with the players in the locker room about character, hard work, and making baseball first. They left for mom, girl friends and who knows what on this Mardi Gras weekend.
I hope this trip was a success and the next few weeks will give us the answer.
Go Cats go, just not on a bus.
That would be a good reason to go, but that is not my reason.
I believe that this trip bonds the team. Three days in tight quarters with few distractions. They have to travel, eat and sleep as a team. They find out a lot about each other (not all of it good), and learn to deal with each other.
Sometimes they find friends and many times they discover that their teammate is not someone they would otherwise hang out with. As for me, both of these senerios need to be discovered. It makes a team what it is.
This year was tougher than most. We started 0-2 after two days. We left for the tournament feeling pretty good about ourselves, being 4-1, and coming off an impressive 3-0 victory over a talented Central of Baton Rouge.
But the good feelings didn't last long, as our Achilles Heel reappeared and our defense disappeared. We have shown the ability to make errors in bunches, and did so in two tough losses, 13-0 to Airline, and 12-5 to Captain Shreve.
The ugly underbelly always shows when things get like this and selfish players get called out by their teammates. This trip was no exception. The seniors began their attack on cocky underclassmen.
This not a bad thing and the offending party cannot just grab their bag and go home. This is where the "becoming a team starts," and everyone ends up involved.
The rains came on Saturday and we spent the day on our chartered bus. Up at 6:00 a.m. to get checked out of the hotel and drive to West Ouachita. We arrived early to find a tarp on the field, and a bad weather report. The weather report was correct, and before the 1st pitch the rain came.
Back to the bus we ran to wait out the rain delay, then came the 1st cancellation. The second game was at 2:30 in Ruston, so we were off on our 45 minute ride. It is now close to 12:30, so we stop to eat at Burger King. Before we could eat our burgers the call came that the 2nd game was canceled. Back to West Ouachita for a 5:00 game. We get back on the bus headed to W.O. to hit under their covered hitting facility. But the call came at 2:00pm. No way the field will be ready. Would you like to try for 7:00 p.m?
Thanks but no thanks. It's time to head for home.
The next 5 hour ride went off without incident, and the Wildcats were home for 7:00 p.m.
Before I sent them on their way, I had a quick meeting with the players in the locker room about character, hard work, and making baseball first. They left for mom, girl friends and who knows what on this Mardi Gras weekend.
I hope this trip was a success and the next few weeks will give us the answer.
Go Cats go, just not on a bus.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Just pick it up and throw it!
The 2011 baseball season is one week old, and I have learned a few things.
The old adage in baseball is that pitching and defense win games. Well not all of them.
If you are confused, so am I. We have won 3 of our 4 games so far and we can't play catch. Just pick up a ground ball and throw it accurately across the diamond. Sounds easy.
But in our first 4 games, my team has made 24 errors.
24 ERRORS.
That is a whole season's worth in 2003 and 2005. This could be the toughest season ever for our pitching staff. They will have to get extra outs and make quality pitches with plenty of base runners.
In the first 4 games the pitchers have been outstanding, pulling us out of many jams. Our hitting has allowed us to win games.
But come on guys. 24 ERRORS?
All your life you play ball, some kind of ball. Someone throws it to you and you catch it. Then you throw it back to them. Pretty simple stuff. Unless you are a infielder this year.
We are young and will get better. Soon I hope. We play some of the best teams in Louisiana soon, and we better get our act together. We cannot expect to score 10 runs a game, and need them all to win. But we are 3-1 and on a 3 game win streak. Enough said.
I always go watch games and my favorite saying is: "I go to the park to see things I've never seen before." This year I am seeing that at my own games.
The old adage in baseball is that pitching and defense win games. Well not all of them.
If you are confused, so am I. We have won 3 of our 4 games so far and we can't play catch. Just pick up a ground ball and throw it accurately across the diamond. Sounds easy.
But in our first 4 games, my team has made 24 errors.
24 ERRORS.
That is a whole season's worth in 2003 and 2005. This could be the toughest season ever for our pitching staff. They will have to get extra outs and make quality pitches with plenty of base runners.
In the first 4 games the pitchers have been outstanding, pulling us out of many jams. Our hitting has allowed us to win games.
But come on guys. 24 ERRORS?
All your life you play ball, some kind of ball. Someone throws it to you and you catch it. Then you throw it back to them. Pretty simple stuff. Unless you are a infielder this year.
We are young and will get better. Soon I hope. We play some of the best teams in Louisiana soon, and we better get our act together. We cannot expect to score 10 runs a game, and need them all to win. But we are 3-1 and on a 3 game win streak. Enough said.
I always go watch games and my favorite saying is: "I go to the park to see things I've never seen before." This year I am seeing that at my own games.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
A special L.S.U. Sunday
Sunday February 20, 2011
I will always think of this day and smile. I sat in the stands at Alex Box Stadium with my son Daniel and watched with pride as Trey Watkins and Kurt McCune, both former Destrehan Wildcats, led the LSU Tigers to victory. Trey, a grizzled veteran outfielder of one year and Kurt, a freshman who was pitching for the first time.
I saw Mary Kenney, Trey's mom, who has been attending these games for a year now. She knows where to sit, when to get there, and who belongs to who.
But the McCunes were enjoying their first weekend as LSU parents -- until today and the realization that their youngest child was about to take the mound for the team he has dreamed of playing for his whole life. WOW, what a moment!
And they were scared to death. Nervous was a understatement. Kevin was pacing and said Monica was more nervous than him. I saw Kurt's brother Matt (also one of my former players) and sister Sami (who taught Lora how to swim). They were excited and so proud of their brother. His moment was an hour away.
I walked down toward the dugout and to see if they were milling about, but they were nowhere around. Then Coach Paul Mainieri popped out of the dugout and saw me. He called me over and said this a great day for Destrehan baseball. He had no idea.
After we talked briefly, Kurt appeared in the bullpen. Daniel and I moved over by the bullpen to watch him warm-up. He looked good, tall and thin. As he was warming up his arm was loose, and the ball was live. He was enjoying the moment, and so was I.
Pitching coach Dave Grewe saw us and came over with a big smile on his face. Like Mainieri he was very confident that Kurt was ready. As Kurt finished up his preparation he walked over and greeted us. He wasn't nervous at all. I asked him how he felt. Kurt was fine, he told me. "I pitched to our team and got them out, and we are alot better than them (Wake Forest)."
He was in a good place. He was better than Mom and Dad. I just reminded him to have fun and enjoy the experience.
The game started well, as Kurt struck out the 1st batter. We all were so concerned that he wouldn't get off to a good start. But after he struck out the next two batters, we were sure that today would be special.
Trey, who normally plays left field, was the DH today. He batted leadoff and promptly lined out to shortstop. He has gotten off to a very unlucky start, hitting the ball hard but going hitless. This line out has him 0-for- 8 for the season.
Kurt went out and retired the side in the second and third, striking out 2 more. LSU started a rally in the 3rd, and with one out, Trey lined his first single of the season into center to bring in the Tigers' first run of the day. Before the inning was over the Tigers led 5-0, and the story was now Kurt McCune.
A freshman in his first start and throwing a no-hitter through 3 innings was becoming a story. Kurt didn't disappoint any of the 8,000 fans in attendance -- nor those in section 203. By now I had informed them about Kurt and Trey, my former players, and how proud I am right now. The sixth produced some drama as Kurt brought his no-hitter into the frame. With an 80-pitch count they probably wouldn't let him finish the no-hitter anyway. And it was broken up in the 6th with a seeing-eye grounder between 3rd and short.
Wake Forest went on to load the bases with a hit batter and a walk. Kurt recovered to strike out his 7th batter for the second out and a fly to center ended the threat. And he was done for the day.
The line on Kurt: 6 innings pitched, no runs, 1 hit, 7 strikeouts, 2 BBs, and 1 hit batter. Oh,
and his first college win.
The line on Trey: 2 for 4, 2 runs scored, and 1 RBI.
And what day for an old grey haired coach watching the game with his 27 year old son.
I had a chance to talk to them after they made it through the line of fans by their locker room. They were very happy. Kurt hugged me 3 times. He was bursting with joy, I could tell, but he played it down so well.
Trey was not hiding his emotion. He was so excited for Kurt. He knew what it's like to play his 1st game. In fact, he was the player of the game in his first game, with a great catch to save the win. This day was special and they knew it. So did I.
The game was special, besides the LSU win. The boys I had coached played well and I got a chance to share it with my son, who also played for me. I saw the East Ascension coach with his young son, out for a day at the park. It's a very special day, whether your son is 10 or 27.
Thanks Daniel for bringing me to the game (you too Cori). This day was truly special.
I will always think of this day and smile. I sat in the stands at Alex Box Stadium with my son Daniel and watched with pride as Trey Watkins and Kurt McCune, both former Destrehan Wildcats, led the LSU Tigers to victory. Trey, a grizzled veteran outfielder of one year and Kurt, a freshman who was pitching for the first time.
I saw Mary Kenney, Trey's mom, who has been attending these games for a year now. She knows where to sit, when to get there, and who belongs to who.
But the McCunes were enjoying their first weekend as LSU parents -- until today and the realization that their youngest child was about to take the mound for the team he has dreamed of playing for his whole life. WOW, what a moment!
And they were scared to death. Nervous was a understatement. Kevin was pacing and said Monica was more nervous than him. I saw Kurt's brother Matt (also one of my former players) and sister Sami (who taught Lora how to swim). They were excited and so proud of their brother. His moment was an hour away.
I walked down toward the dugout and to see if they were milling about, but they were nowhere around. Then Coach Paul Mainieri popped out of the dugout and saw me. He called me over and said this a great day for Destrehan baseball. He had no idea.
After we talked briefly, Kurt appeared in the bullpen. Daniel and I moved over by the bullpen to watch him warm-up. He looked good, tall and thin. As he was warming up his arm was loose, and the ball was live. He was enjoying the moment, and so was I.
Pitching coach Dave Grewe saw us and came over with a big smile on his face. Like Mainieri he was very confident that Kurt was ready. As Kurt finished up his preparation he walked over and greeted us. He wasn't nervous at all. I asked him how he felt. Kurt was fine, he told me. "I pitched to our team and got them out, and we are alot better than them (Wake Forest)."
He was in a good place. He was better than Mom and Dad. I just reminded him to have fun and enjoy the experience.
The game started well, as Kurt struck out the 1st batter. We all were so concerned that he wouldn't get off to a good start. But after he struck out the next two batters, we were sure that today would be special.
Trey, who normally plays left field, was the DH today. He batted leadoff and promptly lined out to shortstop. He has gotten off to a very unlucky start, hitting the ball hard but going hitless. This line out has him 0-for- 8 for the season.
Kurt went out and retired the side in the second and third, striking out 2 more. LSU started a rally in the 3rd, and with one out, Trey lined his first single of the season into center to bring in the Tigers' first run of the day. Before the inning was over the Tigers led 5-0, and the story was now Kurt McCune.
A freshman in his first start and throwing a no-hitter through 3 innings was becoming a story. Kurt didn't disappoint any of the 8,000 fans in attendance -- nor those in section 203. By now I had informed them about Kurt and Trey, my former players, and how proud I am right now. The sixth produced some drama as Kurt brought his no-hitter into the frame. With an 80-pitch count they probably wouldn't let him finish the no-hitter anyway. And it was broken up in the 6th with a seeing-eye grounder between 3rd and short.
Wake Forest went on to load the bases with a hit batter and a walk. Kurt recovered to strike out his 7th batter for the second out and a fly to center ended the threat. And he was done for the day.
The line on Kurt: 6 innings pitched, no runs, 1 hit, 7 strikeouts, 2 BBs, and 1 hit batter. Oh,
and his first college win.
The line on Trey: 2 for 4, 2 runs scored, and 1 RBI.
And what day for an old grey haired coach watching the game with his 27 year old son.
I had a chance to talk to them after they made it through the line of fans by their locker room. They were very happy. Kurt hugged me 3 times. He was bursting with joy, I could tell, but he played it down so well.
Trey was not hiding his emotion. He was so excited for Kurt. He knew what it's like to play his 1st game. In fact, he was the player of the game in his first game, with a great catch to save the win. This day was special and they knew it. So did I.
The game was special, besides the LSU win. The boys I had coached played well and I got a chance to share it with my son, who also played for me. I saw the East Ascension coach with his young son, out for a day at the park. It's a very special day, whether your son is 10 or 27.
Thanks Daniel for bringing me to the game (you too Cori). This day was truly special.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
2 scrimmages down
After two scrimmages and 24 innings, I have lots of answers. No not really! The pitching is solid but the position players are all open. We haven't begun to hit the ball well, yet.
But it will come. At Destrehan it always does.
This week is the jamboree, Brother Martin and DeLaSalle a dress rehearsal. Six innings is not enough, but that's the system. The season begins on Thursday, in Walker. Let the fun begin!
After 15 games we will have a handle on this group, and some answers I can sleep with. Let the fun begin!
The uniforms are white and the hats are red. Iola has the concessions under control, Pappy's chair is in place and Weber will be on the rail. Let the fun begin!
But it will come. At Destrehan it always does.
This week is the jamboree, Brother Martin and DeLaSalle a dress rehearsal. Six innings is not enough, but that's the system. The season begins on Thursday, in Walker. Let the fun begin!
After 15 games we will have a handle on this group, and some answers I can sleep with. Let the fun begin!
The uniforms are white and the hats are red. Iola has the concessions under control, Pappy's chair is in place and Weber will be on the rail. Let the fun begin!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Family Day
We have six practices under our belt, and Sunday was family day. A chance for everyone to meet each other, watch a little baseball and share some food. I woke up to the sound of rain, never a good thing for a special day. It never rained to hard and the day went on without a hitch. A great crowd, and plenty of excitement. It looks like a good group to work with, and everyone was nice at least for now.
Our 1st scrimmage is Saturday at Lutcher and the forecast is sleet. Baseball season in Louisiana!
Our 1st scrimmage is Saturday at Lutcher and the forecast is sleet. Baseball season in Louisiana!
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